Oct 7, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback D.J. Moore (30) talks on the bench during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Nickel back DJ Moore will be taking his painted nose, funny haircut and ball hawking on the road.  The Chicago Tribune’s Vaughn McClure first reported that the Chicago Bears have informed the free agent cornerback that he’s not going to be back next season:

Bears officially inform D.J Moore he is no longer in the team’s plans. Might be the start of other roster changes.

— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) March 5, 2013

The former fourth round draft out of Vanderbilt pick is set to become an unrestricted free agent as of March 12th, so this isn’t a huge surprise.  The Bears are just being proactive in informing him that he won’t be back and to pursue other options.

Moore has been on a roller coaster ride in his 4 seasons with the Bears.  He was in and out of former coach Lovie Smith’s doghouse while showing some flashes of former safety Mike Brown’s “Johnny on the Spot” knack for being in the right place at the right time.

In his four seasons with the Bears, DJ pulled in 10 interceptions with two returned for touchdowns.  His inconsistency and running his mouth cost him playing time under Lovie Smith and may have scared off the new coaching staff.

What do you think, Bears fans?  Is DJ Moore going to be the next Danieal Manning or Corey Graham, guys who struggled with the Bears but went on to bigger and better things with new teams?  Should the Bears have considered keeping Moore around for a reasonable price?

Want to meet a member of the NFL’s best defense?  (And no, I’m not just saying that, they’re literally ranked #1)  Come out to the Verizon Store at 1538 E Lake Cook Road in Wheeling IL on Monday October 29th between 7-8 PM for a meet and great with Chicago Bears defensive back DJ Moore.  Moore is among the leaders on the defense with two interceptions including a late one vs the Lions that almost sealed the game.  Almost

If this event is even a fraction of Matt Forte’s recent appearance at a Verizon Wireless Store in Lincolwood, my best advice is to get their early.

For more details on the event, click here.

Disclosure: I am participating in the Verizon Wireless Midwest Fans program and have been provided with a wireless device and five months of service in exchange for my honest opinions about the product.

Aug 13, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler (6) talks with offensive line coach Mike Tice during the second half of a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Soldier Field. The Bears defeated the Bills 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-US PRESSWIRE

The Bears head to Dallas to square off with the 2-1 Cowboys.  Both teams boast winning records, but neither has really impressed.  Sure, Dallas knocked off the Giants to open the NFL season in Week 1, but followed that up with an embarrassing loss to an improved Seattle team and then barely hanging on against Tampa in a 16-10 win last week.

Meanwhile the Bears had a big offensive showing in Week 1 against the Colts before laying another egg under the lights in Green Bay to be followed with a weak offensive showing in their 23-6 win over the Rams.  The Bears have exceeded expectation on the defensive side of the ball, while the offense has failed to click since an impressive Week 1 performance.  Who needs to step up for the Bears in Big D?  Hit the jump to see.

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Matt Forte and the Bears ran away from the Lions, hanging on to win 24-20. (Photo courtesy of Chicago Tribune)

It was another one of those games that looked on paper like the Bears could not lose.  This is why they play the games.  The Detroit Lions gave a tremendous effort and actually led 17-14 at halftime.  Only after the Bears defense buckled down in the second half were the Bears able to take the lead and eventually outlast the Lions for a 24-20 win.  (more…)

Woodny Turenne picks off a Brett Basanez pass in training camp last season. (Photo courtesy of SI Kids)

I’ve been very critical of the Bears and their lack of depth at the cornerback position.  Once you get past Zack Bowman and Peanut Tillman, there’s not much there.  Corey Graham is inconsistent at best and besides him, you’ve got a couple of midgets in DJ Moore and Tim Jennings and rookie Joshua Moore.

ProFootball Weekly hears whispers that undrafted 2nd year man Woodny Turenne, who spent last season on the practice squad could be gaining momentum as the third cornerback.

The feeling among many hangers-on at Halas Hall is that CB Woodny Turenne, who spent most of last season on the practice squad, warrants consideration for the No. 3 CB job. Said one team insider: “He’s got really good size (6-0, 184) and is faster than people thought he would be. I think he’s a better prospect than (2009 fourth-round pick) D.J. Moore.

Considering the injury history of both Tillman and Bowman, finding some added depth at the cornerback spot is a battle to keep an eye on as camp approaches.

BEAR DOWN!!!

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First came a tweet from agent  Drew Rosenhaus about the contract extension for versatile defensive lineman Israel Idonije.  Izzy has been a valuable, jack-of-all-trades lineman who has been a key contributor for the Bears on Special Teams  and has served as a valuable backup along the defensive line in recent years.  The deal he inked keeps him in Chicago through 2011 with $3 million in guaranteed money on a contract that could total $7 million.

“My first priority was staying in Chicago,” Idonije said Friday afternoon. “This will be my seventh season as a Chicago Bears and my No. 1 priority was to stay here and conduct business as usual, get healthy and be ready. That was my focus from top to bottom.”

I like his attitude and tone of his quote.  He’s a good guy and a solid contributor whenever and wherever the Bears need someone to step up.  Good for you Izzy!

Next came a barrage of draft pick signings, with seven of the Bears nine selections coming to terms on 4-year rookie deals. D.J. Moore, Johnny Knox, Marcus Freeman, Al Afalava, Lance Louis and Derek Kinder and Henry Melton all agreed to terms.  Defensive tackle Jarron Gilbert and wide receiver Juaquin Iglesias still need to come to terms, but considering where they were drafted, it shouldn’t be long until they fall in line.  I think the key will be to get Iglesias inked and running routes to get his timing down with QB Jay Cutler.

Finally, the biggest and boldest move for last.  The Bears signed strong side linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa.  He was cut by the St. Louis Rams as a offseason move because presumably they didn’t feel he fit with their new defensive scheme.  He led the Rams in tackles in 4 of the last 6 seasons, including 135 last season.  The move heats up the competition at linebacker, where he appears to be the early front-runner for the starting spot.  The pressure is certainly on Hunter Hillenmayer, who was already set to be in an uphill battle with Nick Roach for the Sam linebacker spot.  Speed and the ability to contribute on special teams will be a key to make the opening day roster.

Tinoisamoa played for Lovie Smith in his rookie year, so he should only need a crash course to get back in the swing of things with Lovie’s defense.  Hopefully, this move works out better than the last Lovie Smith castoff brought back to Chicago.  Adam Archuletta, anyone?

With their first selection, pick # 68 overall the Bears selected Jarron Gilbert, DE out of San Jose. The 6′ 5″, 280 pounder will add some versatility to the D-line as it is believed he could play either tackle or end.  This from Scout.com:

Gilbert is a versatile lineman who has outstanding athleticism. He has a great frame and could add more mass. He can play inside or outside and flashes the ability to be a tremendous threat behind the line of scrimmage. He has long arms and delivers a quick punch to gain an advantage. He holds up well against double teams and disengages quick enough to track down a ball carrier. He’s viewed as a tweener.

And in case the Bears ever need someone to jump out of a pool, here’s this video that’s been making the rounds on YouTube and featured on ESPN when it was announced that the Bears made their first selection of the 2009 NFL draft.

Gilbert said of his pool jumping: (more…)